Forty young faculty members from universities and colleges across India have started training as part of an online refresher course offered by Jamia Millia Islamia’s UGC-Human Resource Development Centre and the Department of Geography.
The 19th Refresher Course (online) in Geography and Environmental Studies will be held from January 18 to February 1.
V.K. Malhotra, member-secretary, Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, was the chief guest at the inaugural function.
Malhotra called upon the scientific community and academia to undertake emerging issues related to sustainable development, environmental management, climate change mitigation, inclusive development and pathways to resilient society post the pandemic.
The guest of honour at the inaugural function was M. Ishtiaque, former vice- chancellor of Magadh University and retired professor of geography at Jamia Millia.
Anisur Rahman, director, UGC-HRDC, JMI, welcomed the delegates and participants of the refresher course and lauded the leadership of Jamia Millia vice-chancellor Najma Akhtar.
S.B. Singh, former head and retired professor of geography at Banaras Hindu University, was also a guest of honour. Singh stressed the pivotal role of 3Es — environment, energy and economy for achieving sustainable development.
Praveen Kumar Pathak, course coordinator, outlined the design of the course and highlighted the theme and sub-themes of the refresher course.
The inaugural function ended with a vote of thanks by Lubna Siddiqui, associate professor, geography, Jamia Millia.